Discrimination of any kind is frustrating and can create barriers to equal treatment and opportunities. Thankfully, there are anti-discrimination laws in Sacramento and at the federal level that protect individuals from being discriminated against.
Discrimination happens when someone is mistreated because of their race, gender, disability, religion, age, or other protected characteristics. If you have been discriminated against, contact Erkel Law, P.C. to learn more about these laws and see how an experienced workplace discrimination attorney can help you.
One common place where discrimination occurs is in the workplace. Employers have laws to follow that prohibit discrimination and require fair treatment of employees and job applicants.
California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and federal laws like Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 make it illegal for employers to discriminate against someone because of race, color, religion, age, gender, disability, national origin, or other protected characteristic. Other federal laws add further protection for employees and job applicants, such as:
FEHA covers more protected characteristics than its federal counterpart like marital status and military status, and has a lower threshold in determining which employers it applies to. California’s Family Rights Act (CFRA) mimics the FMLA, but covers additional employers. The California Equal Pay Act builds upon the EPA by requiring employers to pay equally for substantially similar work rather than only for equal work.
The following are forms of workplace discrimination when they are done due to a protected characteristic:
If an individual fears they have been discriminated against, a lawyer with Erkel Law, P.C. can help file a formal complaint with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
Landlords, property managers, real estate agents, builders, lenders, and other housing providers must follow the Fair Housing Act and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA).
Housing providers may not discriminate against or harass individuals like tenants, homeowners, and rental or mortgage applicants. Discrimination as it relates to housing often happens when a housing provider refuses to rent, sell, or approve a loan to someone because of a protected characteristic.
Laws like the ADA and California’s Unruh Civil Rights Act make it illegal for businesses in Sacramento to refuse service, charge extra fees, or provide lesser service based on a person’s race, gender, disability, or other protected status.
Businesses must provide the same public accommodations to all people. For example, if a theater fails to provide wheelchair access or a restaurant requires only people of a certain race to pre-pay, that could be discrimination.
Discrimination is not only unfair, but also illegal. There are anti-discrimination laws in Sacramento, California, and in the U.S. that prohibit the unfair practice in employment, housing, and public places.
If you have experienced discrimination based on a protected characteristic like age, sex, or race, call Erkel Law, P.C. A skilled lawyer can evaluate your specific circumstances and help you determine the next best step toward holding responsible the party that discriminated against you.
(916) 709-3702 
